Hawaii utility tests battery in renewable energy push

HONOLULU (AP) - A Hawaii utility is spending the next two years evaluating safety and efficacy of its largest battery intended to put boost renewable energy sent to Oahu's power grid.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports (http://bit.ly/2cVglXl) the one-megawatt battery is from Wyoming-based Altairnano.

Shelee Kimura of Hawaiian Electric Co. said in a statement that the battery will push the state closer to its 100 percent renewable energy goal.

She said total renewable energy consumption depends on bringing power generated from the sun to customers whose electricity use peaks at night, and smoothly transitioning power from sources like wind and solar to the grid.

Utility spokesman Peter Rosegg said the company is exploring how the battery works as well as the balance between performance and durability.